Transfer and Change of Ownership Notice ("CHOW") - Licensed Clinics

A clinic’s license is valid only for the licensee, provider, and location for which it was originally issued. A clinic may not operate under the new ownership until the change of ownership has been approved and a license issued.

Change of ownership means an event in which the licensee sells or otherwise transfers its ownership to a different individual or entity as evidenced by a change in federal employer identification number or taxpayer identification number, or an event in which fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the ownership, shares, membership, or controlling interest of a licensee is in any manner transferred or otherwise assigned. This paragraph does not apply to a licensee that is publicly traded on a recognized stock exchange. A change solely in the management company or board of directors is not a change of ownership. See s. 408.803 (5), F.S.

The applicant for initial licensure due to a change of ownership must submit an application that must be received by the agency at least 60 days prior to the date of change of ownership. See s. 408.806 (2) (b), F.S.  The transferee must submit a license application and fees to the agency, required fingerprint cards for persons not previously background screened within the past 5 years, and proof of financial ability to operate. The application must be filed with the Health Care Clinic Unit at least 60-days in advance of the final closing, transfer, assignment, or sale date. Ownership transfers completed in less than 60-days of filing the application will subject the applicant/licensee to fines and other penalties provided by law.

Applications received after the ownership transfer is complete will be subject to more serious statutory fines of up to $5,000 as well as penalties for being unlicensed, depending on whether the clinic operates with new ownership.

New Regulations Effective 7/1/2009: Click here for more information